Hax: Manage party guests without looking like it

2:32 AM,
Jan. 18, 2014

Written by

Carolyn Hax
Syndicated columnist

Dear Carolyn: When I was married four years ago, a shocking number of people did not understand the etiquette of being invited to a formal event. Some people showed up in jeans (yes) when the invite clearly stated "cocktail attire." Some people showed up without having RSVP'd. However, the worst was people showing up with dates who were clearly not invited (in two cases, people I have never seen before or since). Thankfully it all worked out because we had some extra chairs from people who said they were coming and just never showed.